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Lions Eye Justin Joly as 2nd‑Round TE Insurance

The Lions are looking at 22‑year‑old NC State tight end Justin Joly as a 2nd‑round insurance pick if Sam LaPorta’s herniated disc recovery stalls.

The Detroit Lions are eyeing 22‑year‑old NC State tight end Justin Joly as a 2nd‑round insurance pick if Sam LaPorta’s herniated disc recovery stalls. Joly played all 13 games in 2024 and 12 in 2023, missing only one game in 2025 due to a suspected minor quad strain. He finished his college career with 166 receptions for 1,978 yards and has shown perfect reliability.